TasFarmers, Media Release, 5 May 2025
TasFarmers today, congratulates all federal election winners and candidates, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to working with the new government on priority issues for Tasmanian agriculture.
President Ian Sauer said the TasFarmers welcomed a clear majority in the House of Representatives, which will allow for stronger decision-making and delivery on key election commitments.
“We congratulate all those elected and those who contested seats, because democracy depends on the participation of everyone. While we may not agree with every policy, we will continue pressing for the outcomes that matter to our members,” Mr Sauer said.
Mr Sauer identified four election promises as immediate priorities: strengthening the Freight Equalisation Scheme, advancing irrigation projects, improving regional connectivity, and bolstering Australia’s biosecurity measures.
However, he also stressed that some major issues were not presented to voters during the campaign, including changes to superannuation, environmental law reforms, and forestry policy, therefore it is a fallacy to say there is a mandate from voters.
Mr Sauer said, “It’s clear the government has no mandate to move on unrealised superannuation taxes, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act changes, or forestry interventions.
“Policies that did not form part of a political party’s election platform should not then be considered to have an automatic mandate for legislation. Topics like these must first have the support of Australian voters through consultation and debate.
“These were not front-and-centre during the election, and TasFarmers will work hard to hold the government accountable on that front,” Mr Sauer said.
Mr Sauer stated that any policy changes affecting farming operations ultimately hurts consumers.
“Every time a barrier or cost is added to farming, it shows up on the supermarket shelf. Whether it’s biosecurity, environmental rules, or tax policy, we need science and fact-based decisions, not political experiments. Any policy change affects national food security and the dollars in people’s pockets,” Mr Sauer said.
TasFarmers will continue engaging with the government and work with the National Farmers’ Federation to ensure Tasmanian farmers’ voices are heard on the national stage.
